BVS 3
Invasive species have become the leading cause of biodiversity loss, but also a threat to our agrosystems. Due to its insularity and the high endemism of its flora and fauna, Reunion Island is particularly sensitive to biological invasions that need to be controlled. The project aims to agroecologically protect crops through biocontrol actions and offer decision-making tools to strengthen the fight against these invasive species.
In a first step of acquiring knowledge on the bioecology and genetics of these bioaggressors and their adversaries (parasitoids, predators, entomopathogenic fungi, etc.), functional biodiversity and trophic networks are characterized with a view to biological control (conservation or inundative). Studies are also carried out on the native pollinators of ecosystems and agrosystems.
A second line of work also focuses on evaluating the biocidal effectiveness of plant extracts and researching new attractants with a view to proposing agroecological methods for managing populations of pests under shelter and in the open field (market garden crops, fruit and sugar cane).
The third axis consists of developing digital and cartographic tools for the spatial prioritization of actions, intended for decision-makers, to improve coordination, the focusing of resources and the effectiveness of the struggles undertaken.
Expected changes
- Practices that respect the environment and conduct integrated agriculture for the horticultural sectors.
- Agroecological crop protection methods based on biological control for the cane sector.
- New pollinators for crops under cover to increase the number of fertilized flowers and therefore fruiting.
- Monitoring of pest populations and their resistance for better coordination of control actions on the scale of Reunion.
- The development and development of control techniques against invasive alien species.
Expected impacts
- Competitive agriculture in an agro-ecological dynamic develops from the results of R&D.
- Agricultural plant production is increased, diversified with secure production methods.
- Cropping systems and agricultural practices favorable to the preservation of biodiversity and landscapes based on biocontrol are encouraged and strengthened.
- The transfer of knowledge in an inter-sector approach and networking for better coordination of control actions on the scale of Reunion is in place.
- Managers of natural environments have techniques for combating invasive alien species.
Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development
CIRAD is the French agricultural research and international cooperation organization for the sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions.
DetailsEuropean Commission
The European Commission is one of the main institutions of the European Union, together with the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament and the European Council,
DetailsNational Institute for Research in Agriculture, Food and the Environment
INRAE, the National Institute for Research in Agriculture, Food and the Environment was born on January 1, 2020. It is the result of the merger between INRA and Irstea
DetailsRéunion Association for the Modernization of the Fruit, Vegetable and HORticultural Economy
Réunion Association for the Modernization of the Fruit, Vegetable and HORticultural Economy
DetailsUniversity of Reunion
The University of La Réunion is a French institution of higher education and research, located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, due to this original geostrategic position, it is the only European university in this region of the world.
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